My first it may a seaman save,
Or cause a fighter’s fall;
My next reminds us of the wave,
Or of unseemly brawl.
My whole is rather pert than brave,
And like a rubber ball.
19
Seen with a stolen spoon, my first was reckoned
Bad as my whole in moral tone.
Whether a number or alone my second
Touched by my third is turned to stone.
20
NOT A CATECHISM
My first a friend, companion, guide,
Is loving, staunch, and cheery;
My second has a cleansing side,
My third denotes a theory.
My whole, good luck! is held by few
To bore and make us weary.
21
My first is an insect,
My second a border;
My whole puts the face
Into tuneful disorder.